CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has released a statement mourning the death of South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away at the age of 25. Adams died at his home in Stellenbosch on Saturday, July 11, 2026, according to an official announcement.
Motsepe Expresses Deep Condolences
Motsepe, who is also a South African and former chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, described the news as deeply saddening. In an official statement published on the CAF website, he extended his sympathies to Adams' family, friends, teammates, and the entire South African football community. For Motsepe, the loss is deeply personal given his ties to South African football and Sundowns.
Adams' Achievements on the World Stage
Jayden Adams was a key member of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that won the 2026 CAF Champions League, the second in the club's history. He also represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three group stage matches to help Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history. South Africa was eliminated in the Round of 32.
FIFA President Also Pays Tribute
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Adams following his tragic death. Infantino published a statement on his Instagram page expressing deep shock at the loss of the promising midfielder.
